In 2017 the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund will adjust its format to focus on bringing key expertise into designer businesses to assist with development and growth. In recognition of the increasing pool of deserving talent the £200,000 grant will be shared between up to three recipients, which will enable the fund to benefit multiple designers at a pivotal stage in the growth of their brand’s development. Winners will continue to receive a full mentoring programme through the BFC’s Business Support team, including access to funders and industry experts.

The nominated designers are selected by the Fund Judging Committee and have all been chosen for their potential to develop into a global designer brand. Chaired by Alexandra Shulman OBE, Editor of British Vogue, the committee comprises of experts from across the fashion industry: Caroline Rush CBE, British Fashion Council; Gemma Metheringham, LABEL; Helen David, Harrods; Ian Lewis, Harrys of London Limited; Joan Burstein CBE, Browns; Lisa Armstrong, The Daily Telegraph; Mary Homer, Topshop; Samantha Cameron, British Fashion Council Ambassador; Sarah Manley, Burberry and Susanne Tide-Frater, Farfetch.

Alexandra Shulman OBE, Editor of British Vogue and Chair of the Fund Committee, said: ‘This year’s shortlist is an excellent demonstration of the breadth of fashion talent in this country. Any one of them will be a worthy recipient of funding that is specifically designed to help their business in a very targeted way so that it can grow into a greater role on the global fashion stage. I congratulate all of the shortlisted designers for the tenacious creativity that has got them to this point.’

Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, commented: ‘We are so fortunate to have an amazing pool of talent in London and this year’s shortlist is no exception. All the designers have demonstrated incredible talent and strong business skills. I believe they all have the potential to become the UK’s next global brands and the new format of the Fund will help them achieve that goal.’

The shortlisted designers will be interviewed by the Fund Judging Committee on Thursday 2nd February 2017 at Breather.com’s Maiden Lane Spaces, London WC2 with the winner being announced on Tuesday 4th April 2017.